October 11, 2024, 1:09 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Many people have them, and even more, love them – sneakers have become an integral part of our wardrobes. The choice is almost endless: classic in white, in cool neon colors, made of fabric, made of leather, for 40 or 400 Euro. However, only two details are really decisive when it comes to the quality of the shoes. STYLEBOOK reveals what you should look out for when buying sneakers.
Most sneakers are manufactured in a number of factories, many of which are located in China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. What is not new is the fact that premium brands often have their products manufactured in the same production facilities as cheaper suppliers, which means that the sewers are often the same. But is the quality right? In fact, there are two details you should keep a close eye on to quickly determine whether the shoe has been properly manufactured.
What to look out for when buying sneakers
STYLEBOOK asked an expert about this. Matthias Vickermann is a shoemaker from Baden-Baden who makes bespoke shoes himself and offered the first German online repair service for shoes. He regularly sees broken shoes and knows the weak points inside out. In his opinion, two details are most important when it comes to quality control.
1. Pay attention to the seams
“A good shoe has neatly finished seams. They run neatly and parallel and do not form loops,” says Matthias Vickermann. No thread should protrude, and curved seams should hold the material together evenly. The distance between the individual stitches should also be very even. If the stitches have different lengths, this can lead to the connected parts not holding together optimally and eventually tearing at the weak point when worn.
2. Check the glued sole
Sneaker soles are typically glued. However, this does not necessarily mean that the shoe is poorly made. Nevertheless, there is one small detail to look out for, according to Vickermann. “You should definitely check that the gluing is holding all the way around and that no adhesive residue is sticking out. There should be no gap where the sole meets the upper material.” You can use your fingernail to check: Simply run it along the sole and see if the nail fits between the sole or if you can even push the sole away a little. If this is the case, dirt and moisture can collect in the gap, which can lead to the sole coming off.
Buy sneakers and always look after them
Even an excellent quality shoe should not be treated roughly. The shoemaker recommends: “Sneakers really shouldn’t be put in the washing machine or washed with excessively hot water. The glue could simply come off, even on expensive sneakers.” If you want your sneakers to last a long time, you should air them regularly. “Simply give your shoes a day off after wearing them for a day. Otherwise, they will start to ‘live’…” says expert Vickermann.
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What else should you look out for?
Leather, suede, or high-quality synthetic materials such as Gore-Tex or Primeknit are often more durable than cheap artificial leather or cheap textile fibers. The inner lining of the shoes also warrants attention. Sneakers with high-quality linings, like genuine leather or breathable textiles, provide enhanced comfort and longevity.
High-quality sneakers should feel comfortable straight away. They often offer better arch support, ergonomic design, and breathable materials, which increase comfort. Models with special cushioning systems offer better shock absorption and comfort. However, it’s worth noting that numerous lifestyle and fashion sneakers lack footbeds and cushioning systems, as they are designed primarily for everyday wear.